Tipped tool

A tipped tool or insert generally refers to any cutting tool where the cutting edge consists of a separate piece of material, either brazed or clamped on to a separate body.

They are used principally in the metalworking and woodworking industries; however they may be found in various forms in many cutting tools. Some examples are milling cutters (endmills, fly cutters, et al), turning tools, and saw blades.

These tools provide the advantage of pre-ground cutting edges and geometry on inserts that may be readily replaced in a less expensive holder (or body). The material of both the body and tip can then be optimised for their individual requirements and this along with improved production techniques has led to their greater adoption within their respective industries.

Many tipped tools are made in a way that allows the inserts to be indexable, meaning that they can be rotated or flipped without disturbing the overall geometry of the tool (effective diameter, tool length offset, etc.). This saves time in manufacturing by allowing fresh cutting edges to be presented periodically without the need for tool grinding, setup changes, or entering of new values into a CNC program.

=See also=
* Wiper insert
* Diamond tools
* Diamond Blade